Last updated: December-2021The past two years have forced people to cancel bookings left, right, and center. It’s been an incredibly uncertain time for all things travel—be it flights, hotels, or experiences. However, things are returning to how they once were, and more travel options are becoming available.We’ve compiled a list detailing the restriction put in place by accommodation providers during this uncertain time, as well as guidance on changing any existing bookings.

COVID-19 required rapid action from hotels all over the world. Cancellation fees were waived and

flexible bookings

became the norm.Some hotels have carried this over to the new normal—others haven’t. Before we dive into our updated list of hotel cancellation policies, let’s take a look at the best practices for changing your existing bookings.

Most hotels are saying that guests must make their change or cancellation at least 24 hours before their scheduled date of arrival. Some are asking for a longer notice period, so make sure you change or cancel your booking in time.

During the COVID-19 crisis, hotels changed their cancellation policies due to the mass disruption caused by lockdowns all over the world. These policies have mainly reverted back to their pre-COVID conditions, however, some hotels have opted to prioritize flexibility moving forward.

Reservations made after the 14th of March 2020 are subject to the host’s cancellation policy—unless any of the guests test positive for COVID-19. In this case, you’re covered by Airbnb’s

extenuating circumstances policy

.

Arlo Hotels has returned to its standard cancellation policy, under which guests are entitled to a full refund if the cancellation is made within 24 hours of the booking. Some rooms and rates are exempt from this policy, so make sure to check in advance if you’re eligible.

Best Western’s cancellation policy depends on the hotel you’re staying at, get in touch to find out directly from them. However, generally speaking, they’re now operating under their standard

cancellation policy

.

Guests are advised to book flexible rates when organizing trips, as failing to book a flexible rate may mean you’re not entitled to a refund. They advise you to always prioritize properties with free cancellation during times of uncertainty.

Cancellations

will be handled by the property based on your chosen policy and the applicable consumer law.

Choice Hotels advises guests that the

cancellation policy

in place at the time of booking is the cancellation policy that applies to their booking. They encourage guests to contact the hotel directly to discuss their booking.

Expedia is encouraging guests to prioritize rooms with free cancellation when making bookings, as the company is now operating using its

standard T&Cs

. This leaves decisions regarding cancellation to the individual hotels.

Four Seasons hotels are now operating under their pre-COVID

T&Cs

. Stays are non-refundable, however most locations will permit a date change.

Reservations made after the 1st of October 2020 are subject to the

cancellation policy

at the time of booking. Most hotels allow changes or cancellations up to 24-hours before the scheduled arrival date.

Hotels.com

is advising all guests to choose the free cancellation option when available. They also advise that you check the hotel’s website, as some require that cancellation be no less than 24 hours before the stay in order to be eligible for the refund.

Bookings are now made under the

standard T&Cs

, which vary depending on the location of the hotel your stay is at. Get in touch with the hotel you’ve scheduled to stay at.

Reservations made prior to the 1st of July 2020 can be canceled at no cost, given it’s no later than 24 hours before your stay. Reservations made after the 1st of July 2020 are subject to their standard

T&Cs

.

All bookings made directly with IHG can be

changed

without charge prior to the cancellation deadline, with special rates and benefits for IHG Rewards members.

Loews Hotels’ standard cancellation policy

has been modified following COVID. Before, guests could cancel their booking up to 72 hours before their stay. This is now 24 hours before their stay. Failure to cancel 24 hours before will lead to you being charged the full room rate.

All stays after June 2021 are subject to the individual hotel’s

cancellation policy

.

Premier Inn has amended its cancellation policy to allow for changes up until 1pm on the date of your stay—unless you booked a no-flex rate. Cancellations are permitted under the individual hotels’ cancellation policy.Get in touch with the hotel to discuss canceling your booking, or use their online

cancellation service

.

Radisson Hotels have different cancellation policies

depending on where you’re staying:

If your booking includes the flexibility to cancel,

Soho House hotels

allow guests to cancel reservations free of charge. Reservations must be canceled by 6pm two days in advance of the stay in order to qualify for a refund.

Travelodge

allows free cancellation on flexible rate bookings up to midday on your scheduled arrival date. Saver rate bookings are non-refundable.

Some rates include flexible

cancellation policies

, however, all properties are required to accommodate non-cancellable rate reservation changes if the reservation was made before the 6th of June 2020. If your reservation was made after this date, check the rate details.If guests are prohibited from traveling to their booked hotel under applicable law, cancellation and change penalties will be waived.

Previously, 1 Hotels implemented a ‘Cancel Anytime’ policy for new bookings. This is no longer available, and business is back to usual. All bookings are made in accordance with their standard T&Cs, which can be found

here

.When it comes to COVID, all guests must sign their COVID-19 acknowledgment, waiver and release form upon checking in.

That’s all for our updated list of regulations, we encourage you to get in touch with your hotel if you have any further questions.For more information on traveling and managing booking in a post-COVID world. We hope your travels aren’t affected by COVID, but if they are—we’ve got you covered.